Richmond takes reins at WQLGA...

Rachel Ovenden, senior planner with Reel Planning CQ, Rockhampton, with Barcaldine Regional councillor Milynda Rogers.Rockhampton Regional councillors Rose Swadling and Neil Fisher sharing the attractions of their area at the conference.Juggling work on their laps were Central Highland Regional Council CEO Scott Mason, mayor Kerry Hayes and councillor Christine Rolfe.McInnes Wilson Lawyers representatives Ciaran Housten and Paul Tully with Barcaldine mayor Rob Chandler.Longreach's Rosemary Champion dropped in to hear Professor Ross Garnaut speak and caught up with Diamantina councillor Don Rayment.Barcoo shire councillor Dianne Pidgeon gets the latest IT news from Darren Hagerty, Shire Networks.In from Birdsville was Diamantina Shire CEO Leon Love, talking with Angelo Nardi, IT Vision.Jocelyn Avery, Isisford, catches up with Central Highlands Regional Council's deputy mayor, Gail Godwin-Smith and Longreach councillor, Tony Emslie.Winton councillors Tina Elliott and Judy Sale with Hastings Deering sales representative Mark Hodgson and Diana Lollato, executive director with the Queensland Treasury Corporation.Barcoo shire CEO Michael Parker saying his farewells to Boulia CEO Lynn Moore and councillor Sam Beauchamp.Longreach Regional Council's Ilfracombe branch manager Wes Irwin with Arran Miller, Azentro Telematics.Hoffmann Surveyors representatives Fraser Webb, Longreach, and Michael Blain, Brisbane.RAPAD officer Morgan Gronold (centre) having a word with Longreach councillors Tony Rayner and Trevor Smith at smoko time.

Titled Regional Diversification, the conference attracted 150 delegates and kept the needs of ratepayers in front of government policy makers, as well as exploring the ways councils can assist the growth of industries.

The latest plans for the future of the pastoral and agricultural colleges at Longreach and Emerald were shared, and the potential for standalone power systems were among the issues canvassed.

"There are many challenges and opportunities that we all share," Cr Warren said. "That's why our association, and this annual conference, is so important.

"Local governments these days deliver so much more than essential services. We're taking on more and more responsibility for things that have previously been done by someone else.

"Particularly here, in western Queensland, we're under pressure from above and below. Other levels of government can't do some of the things they once did, and our communities can't do what they used to either."

Great evening under the stars @qfom museum @longreachregion airport for Western Qld @LGAQ dinner with MC @endofthebitumen#WQLGA19pic.twitter.com/IOiwQeqQfb— Brendan Egan (@BrendEgan) April 9, 2019

He said it was important for communities in western Queensland to diversify their economies.

"It's never been more important for our region to broaden its economic base.

"Each of our member councils is trying to raise the profile of their community, and that means they're building relationships across a diverse array of stakeholders and interests.

"So, in that way, I think local governments can be the conduit through which the world engages in our communities."

He said the response to natural disasters earlier this year was just one example of how local governments were already working together.

"You just have to look at the way our member councils have worked together this year, in response and recovery, to see the benefits of our association.

"If we can work together on that, imagine what is possible if we harness our shared networks and connect the dots to grow our regional economy."

Presenters included renowned economist Professor Ross Garnaut, and a dinner on the tarmac in front of the Qantas Founders Museum was another highlight.

The event was hailed as an economic boost for Longreach's accommodation houses, restaurants, and small businesses.